WINDHAM, N.H. — A local developer wants to build 72 condominiums in three buildings on 18 acres behind Town Hall in the Village Center District.
Developer Anthony Mesiti has two options for his plan, with access being the key difference between them.
Under the first proposal option, access to the units would come from North Lowell Road on a new road built between Town Hall and the town Planning Office.
Both of Mesiti's options also include shops and offices in a two-floor building at the corner of North Lowell Road, with access to the commercial building from Route 111.
Designer Peter Zohdi presented preliminary plans on the options to the Conservation Commission last Thursday.
Zohdi said he would present the first option to selectmen next month, asking that board to support it. If they do, he will then bring it to the Planning Board.
If selectmen don't like the first option, then Zohdi said he will present the second one to the Planning Board for its review.
The second option includes the same number of condominiums but they would be accessed from Route 111. Both the first and options would include road improvements.
In the first one, however, the changes would be more substantial, including those to Church Street and for a longer stretch of North Lowell.
The development would be serviced by its own wells and its own septic system.
Zohdi said he is interested in creating an access beyond the condominiums, with the new road leading to Eastwood Road. Or, he said, it may end with a cul-de-sac behind the residential units.
Conservation Commission members were concerned with the front of the project. Member Wayne Morris questioned the safety of locating a road near Town Hall, given the existing grade and sight distances.
Zohdi said the option proposes moving the existing town parking behind Town Hall, as well as road improvements to answer safety concerns.
Commissioners asked what would happen to the historic Fellows House under the proposals.
Zohdi said there are several alternatives for saving the home. He said he would present those plans to the Historic District Commission next month.
Mesiti has proposed other projects for the Village Center District in the past, but, for whatever reasons, decided not to continue with them, said Phil LoChiatto, chairman of the Planning Board.
The Village Center is zoned for residential, commercial and retail uses, he said.
